If you sustain a work injury, you need to report it immediately. If you contract an occupational illness, you should notify your employer as soon as possible. Taking too long to inform your employer about your injury or disease can be harmful.
Here is how it can affect you:
Your condition may worsen
When you report an accident to your employer immediately, they can help you get medical attention. You can report it verbally so they can select a physician to treat you. After receiving medical attention, you can submit a written report.
If you take too long to report it, your condition may worsen. For example, if you sustain a deep cut, it can be infected, worsening its symptoms if not treated on time.
Your benefits might be delayed
After notifying your employer about your injury or illness, they are required to investigate the matter as soon as possible. If you are injured, they should go to the accident scene to obtain more information. If you develop an occupational illness, your employer needs to examine the work environment to identify potential hazards that may have caused the disease.
Accordingly, they can give an informative report to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, who will then file a First Report of Injury with the state. The insurer will evaluate your claim to determine if it’s compensable.
The earlier you report your case, the sooner these processes can be completed, allowing you to access workers’ compensation benefits.
It can be difficult to prove your case
Your employer’s insurer will need you to prove your injury or illness is work-related. It can be difficult to link it to your duties if you are exposed to other potential hazards outside of work.
Reporting a work-related injury or illness as soon as possible is necessary. Legal guidance can help you observe all the required steps to protect your eligibility for compensation.